Theatre and Film Department Sets Stage For Comedy Classic ‘Forum’
Photo Courtesy of Saraiah Gonzalez
Chad Promise (left) embraces Dayan Perez (right) during rehearsals for spring musical.
The San Jacinto College Department of Theatre and Film will present “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” as their spring musical for the first time in over twenty years.
Initially, the Department slated “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” as the featured musical but replaced it late in the season because of complications with the performance rights. The crew spent six months working on “Beauty” before switching titles to meet the scheduled performance dates.
Theatre faculty Richard Turner took over as the show’s director three days before auditions. According to Turner, although there were some obstacles putting everything into place, the last minute changes gave the students an excellent learning experience.
“It taught the adaptability of what you have to do in the theater because things change and don’t always go as planned,” Turner said.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is a musical comedy inspired by the Roman playwright Plautus. The story follows the exploits of a slave named Pseudolus, who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo a girl.
“The musical shows the human condition of desire in all of its forms such as love, money, power and freedom,” Turner said. “It combines different styles and nationalities that will make the musical very entertaining.”
Furthermore, Turner said the show subtly handles adult themes by dealing with social topics in a comical way offering theater-goers a unique experience different from other musical performances.
“It breaks the fourth wall and interacts with the audience,” Turner said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Stage Manager Saraiah Gonzalez makes sure everything is under control backstage.
“The musical is very witty,” Gonzales said, “and the audience will enjoy the set.”
Performances for “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum” will be presented in Slocomb Auditorium on Central campus. The show runs Feb. 25 through March 1. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. Ticket information is available at 281-476-1828.
